Understanding Obesity

Whether you are exploring weight loss options for yourself or supporting someone you care for through the process, it is important to understand some basic facts about the complex medical problem known as obesity. Obesity is epidemic in our country today but the sad truth is that many people who struggle with this problem feel alone.

Not all overweight people have associated health problems, but once a person is carrying 100 or more pounds of excess weight (a condition called “morbid obesity”) there is a significantly higher risk of one or more obesity-related health conditions or serious diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea and cancer, which can lead to early death. The good news is that while obesity may threaten your life, losing weight can allow you to regain your health and eliminate these dangerous medical problems.

The reasons for obesity are multiple and complex. Regardless of the cause, according to the National Institutes of Health Consensus Report, morbid obesity is a serious and chronic disease with symptoms that intensify over an extended period of time.

Meet Doctor Choi

"Obesity is truly a health problem, not a lack of willpower. People truly suffer, not only from the medical problems but emotional, social and professional challenges too … and my patients tell me there are layers and layers of positive effects from having the surgery. Their lives get better.”

Defining Obesity

Obesity is measured by a number called Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is an estimated measure of body fat that is calculated based on your height and weight. A normal, healthy BMI is between 19-24.

For More Information

If you think you may be a candidate for weight loss surgery, talk to your primary care physician about Danbury Hospital, call 1-800-516-3657 for more information, or attend a free event and learn more about losing weight through bariatric surgery and if it’s right for you.